News Summary
San Diego Jewish organizations commemorated the second anniversary of the Oct. 7 invasion of Israel by Hamas. The event gathered local officials and community leaders to honor lives lost, featuring speeches from prominent figures including Mayor Todd Gloria, alongside a multimedia performance by Project Heroes. As discussions revolved around a recent peace deal and the hope for returning hostages, the event underscored both grief and resilience, highlighting the community’s commitment to peace and remembrance.
San Diego Jewish organizations gathered to commemorate the second anniversary of the Oct. 7 invasion of Israel by Hamas. The event was held at The Sound at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, attracting hundreds, including local officials and community leaders.
During the commemoration, speakers such as Mayor Todd Gloria and various Jewish community leaders expressed profound sadness over the lives lost during the attack while also conveying a message of hope for peace in Gaza. The event featured a poignant multimedia experience known as Project Heroes, an Israeli ensemble that was created in the wake of the October 7 attack.
This gathering was planned prior to the announcement of a peace deal brokered by President Trump, which aims to facilitate the release of hostages who have been held by Hamas. Charlene Seidle, the president of the Jewish Community Foundation, mentioned the encouraging possibility of hostages returning soon. Mayor Todd Gloria added that news of a potential hostages’ return brings immense joy to the community.
At the event, Mayor Gloria paid tribute to Ofir Liebstein, the mayor of San Diego’s sister city, Sha’ar HaNegev, who tragically lost his life during the attack. After the speeches and moments of collective prayer, the Project Heroes ensemble performed, blending live music with videos dedicated to honoring the lives lost while saving others on that fateful day.
Mayor Gloria encouraged attendees to “stay strong” and maintain hope for the return of hostages, emphasizing the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. In a related note, the American Jewish Committee (AJC) expressed gratitude for the newly announced peace deal and its potential to lead to the much-anticipated return of hostages, describing it as pivotal for future negotiations.
The Anti-Defamation League welcomed the ceasefire and also shared plans regarding the return of hostages, indicating a positive outlook on the progress being made. Rabbi Jason Nevarez from Congregation Beth Israel offered personal insights, sharing his experience of wearing a necklace with the urging message, “Bring Them Home,” throughout the two years of conflict.
Several Jewish and pro-Israel organizations reacted positively to the peace deal, viewing it as a potential pathway to a better future for both Israelis and Palestinians. However, according to Hadara Ishak, president of Jewish Future Promise, while there is hope for a lasting peace, vigilance will remain a necessity moving forward.
Key political figures, including U.S. Congressman Seth Magaziner and Senator Jeanne Shaheen, praised the peace deal while pushing the need for urgency in follow-up agreements to strengthen the path to peace. The announcement was likewise celebrated by the Tel Aviv Foundation, who viewed it as a moment of collective relief for families of hostages. Ronald S. Lauder from the World Jewish Congress characterized the announcement as a turning point, underscoring the critical need to disarm Hamas for sustainable peace to be achieved.
The event in San Diego highlighted not only the ongoing grief and remembrance surrounding the Hamas invasion but also a collective understanding that there are glimmers of hope for a change in the region’s future.
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Additional Resources
- San Diego Jewish World
- Google Search: Israel Hamas War
- CBS 8 San Diego
- Google Scholar: Hamas Israel Conflict
- Times of San Diego
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hamas
- San Diego Union-Tribune
- Google News: Peace Deal Israel Hamas
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SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
